The Egypt striker was clearly angry and upset by taunts from more than 3,000 visiting fans before and after scoring in the terrific 2-2 draw at the Riverside.

The £6.8million man was booked for his celebrations in front of Newcastle supporters and Southgate said: "We had to calm Mido down. It's interesting that 3,000 people can abuse one person and nothing is done. When the boot is on the other foot, he gets in trouble."

Former Middlesbrough star Mark Viduka scored his first goal for Newcastle, but Boro chairman Steve Gibson has no regrets about letting the Aussie leave Teesside.

Gibson said: "I've read comments that we left it late to speak about a new contract, but that's not true. We spoke to him and his agent last Christmas and I was told very early that it was about money and Mark would go to the highest bidder.

"I was so uncomfortable that it was almost a relief to me when he went to Newcastle because of the sums involved."